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| Space workers process a Navy MUOS satellite delivered to Astrotech. Photo credit: Lockheed Martin |
TITUSVILLE, Florida – Florida Governor Rick Scott announced on Tuesday that Lockheed Martin plans to expand capabilities at its Astrotech Space Operations site in Titusville, Florida, creating up to 300 jobs.
Astrotech Space Operations offers payload processing services—like encapsulating and fueling a satellite for launch—for a range of customers. Under the planned expansion, its scope of work could potentially include production of aerospace components and subsystems. Lockheed Martin is currently evaluating options that are contingent on the completion of additional business case analyses. Those analyses are slated to occur in 2016 and 2017.
“Florida is home to one of the largest aerospace and aviation industries in the nation and we continue to grow,” Governor Rick Scott said. “It’s exciting that Lockheed Martin continues to expand in Florida, adding hundreds of jobs for our families. We will do all we can to make it easier for businesses like Lockheed Martin to succeed in Florida.”
With a history in Florida going back 60 years, Lockheed Martin has had a significant presence at Cape Canaveral. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, Astrotech Space Operations has prepared more than 300 payloads for launch since 1984.
“We have sites across the country, but Brevard County offers a unique blend of skilled people and a growth-friendly business environment that make it a great fit for this project,” Tom Malko, Vice President of Assembly, Test and Launch Operations at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, said. “Partnering with the community creates a win-win for Florida, for Lockheed Martin and for our customers.”
Brevard County’s taxpayer incentive support is provided by the North Brevard Economic Development Zone (NBEDZ) in addition to State of Florida tax dollars which provided the best business case for Lockheed Martin to expand its operations on Florida’s Space Coast.
“The North Brevard Economic Development Zone is committed to bringing high caliber jobs and companies to our area. It is important this area remains competitive and top of mind when businesses are considering the best location for workforce and resources,” said North Brevard Economic Development Zone Board Chair George Mikitarian.
Florida is a premier aerospace manufacturing and launch location. The state ranks first among states for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness, and is home to nearly 500 industry companies that excel in everything from parts and assembly to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“Lockheed Martin’s decision to select the Space Coast aligns with Space Florida’s vision of Florida as global leader in enabling space commerce. Additionally, it is a testament to the area’s workforce and opportunity. We are seeing a transformation of the region’s aerospace legacy to include research and development and manufacturing capabilities, as Lockheed Martin’s decision comes on the heels of Blue Origin and OneWeb Satellites’ announcements,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello.
